Our faith in Christ enters us into unimaginable spiritual blessings but also draws us into a fervent spiritual battle. We have an enemy that works tirelessly to confuse our identity in Christ and stop our ministry for Christ. We cannot win this battle alone. Only in the strength of Christ and power of the gospel will we find daily victory. ~ Pastor Dave
Open: Have you ever felt like you were in the midst of a spiritual battle? Describe the circumstance. How did the situation resolve?
Read: Ephesians 6:10-23; Matthew 4; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5; 11:13-15; 1 Peter 5:8-9
Discuss:
1. Paul ends his letter to the Ephesians by reminding them that they are in a spiritual battle. As Christians, why is it so easy to disregard this truth? In what ways have you experienced spiritual battles?
2. Describe our spiritual enemy. What tactics and schemes does Satan use to weaken us? How do these tactics directly affect our identity in Christ and our ministry for Christ? In what areas are you most vulnerable to spiritual attacks?
3. Paul repeats the idea of standing strong (Ephesians 6:10, 11, 13). Where else in Ephesians has Paul already defined being “strengthened of His might”? The phrase “be strong” can also be translated “be strengthened”. What does this mean about the source of our strength? In what ways do we attempt to live in our own strength instead of Christ’s strength? How does this make us more susceptible to attack?
4. Paul tells us twice to put on the “whole armor of God”. Describe each portion of this spiritual armor and what they are meant to protect. How are each of these things connected to our understanding of the gospel? Which portion of the armor stands out to you the most? Why?
5. How should the reality of spiritual battle affect the way we live and pray? All of us have a few chinks in our armor. What’s an area you would like to grow in? Where do you most need God’s power in your life? Open:
Pray: Pray that you would stand in the strength of Christ as you daily face spiritual battles. Pray for greater awareness of the gospel to permeate your life so that it serves as protection against the enemy’s schemes.
Memorize/Meditate: For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Ephesians 6:12-13
